The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to Friday, October 24, following his decision to dismiss his entire team of Senior Advocates.
The courtroom was filled with shock when Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, declared his withdrawal along with other notable Senior Advocates, such as Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, and Emeka Etiaba. Agabi told the court that their choice stemmed from Kanu’s determination to reclaim complete authority over his case.
Justice James Omotosho, who is overseeing the case, addressed Kanu directly to verify the information. From the dock, the IPOB leader confirmed that he had indeed fired his lawyers and was ready to defend himself.
When questioned about whether he wanted the court to appoint new counsel for him, Kanu strongly refused.
Afterward, Justice Omotosho instructed the remaining defence team members to leave the courtroom and asked Kanu to begin his defence.
However, Kanu started by contesting the court’s authority to proceed with the trial. The judge rejected his objection, maintaining that the case had to continue.
As the atmosphere in the proceedings grew strained, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, rose to point out to the court that the team’s withdrawal had only occurred that morning.
He requested that the judge allow Kanu adequate time to collect his thoughts and prepare to represent himself. The prosecution raised no objection to the request.
Justice Omotosho accepted the appeal and postponed the case until Friday, October 24, at which point Kanu is anticipated to start his defence.
The IPOB leader is facing several charges, including treasonable felony and terrorism-related offenses, linked to his role in leading the group and its armed branch, the Eastern Security Network.
Nnamdi Kanu To Self-represent After Lawyer Withdraws
Liverpool Back in Form with 5–1 Rout Over Frankfurt as UCL Drama Unfolds Across Europe
Liverpool roared back to life in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, thrashing Eintracht Frankfurt 5–1 in Germany to reignite their European campaign. The emphatic victory marked a statement of intent from Arne Slot’s men, who had endured a difficult few weeks domestically before rediscovering their rhythm under the lights in Frankfurt.
Liverpool Turn on the Style
The night didn’t start according to script for Liverpool. Frankfurt took a surprise lead in the 26th minute through Rasmus Kristensen after capitalising on a rare defensive lapse. The home crowd erupted, sensing another shock could be on the cards.
But that was as good as it got for the Bundesliga side.
Liverpool hit back almost immediately through Hugo Ekitiké, who fired home from a slick counterattack. The goal opened the floodgates. Captain Virgil van Dijk rose highest to nod in a corner at 39 minutes, and Ibrahima Konaté made it three before half-time, also from a set-piece.
In the second half, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai added their names to the scoresheet with crisp finishes that underlined Liverpool’s dominance.
The 5–1 win not only ended their four-match losing streak but also placed them in a commanding position in Group C.
“We showed personality tonight. The response after going behind was perfect — that’s the Liverpool spirit we want to see,”
— Manager Arne Slot told TNT Sports after the game.
For Frankfurt, the defeat was a brutal reality check. Despite a strong start to the group, they looked disjointed defensively and were punished repeatedly on set pieces. Their head coach, Dino Toppmöller, admitted afterward that his side “lost control after the equaliser and never recovered.”
Other UCL Matches: Goals, Drama, and Late Surprises
Chelsea 5–1 Ajax
Chelsea tore into Ajax at Stamford Bridge in a statement performance, running up five goals as their young attacking options shone. The result lifts Chelsea’s confidence in the group and leaves Ajax having to regroup after a heavy away defeat.
Bayern Munich 4–0 Club Brugge
Bayern were ruthless at home, putting four past Club Brugge to reinforce their status as favourites in the group. The hosts controlled the game from start to finish and converted chances efficiently.
Real Madrid 1–0 Juventus
Real Madrid picked up a narrow but valuable win at the Bernabéu, Jude Bellingham’s decisive finish proving sufficient against a stubborn Juventus rearguard. Madrid’s tight, professional performance keeps them perfect in the group so far.
Sporting CP 2–1 Marseille
Sporting edged Marseille in Lisbon in a competitive contest, taking the points with a late or decisive moment that swung momentum in their favour. Marseille pushed but ultimately left without a share of the spoils.
Athletic Club 3–1 Qarabağ FK
Athletic Club delivered a convincing home win, hitting Qarabağ three times and demonstrating the kind of physical, direct play that served them well. Qarabağ’s early hope faded as the Basque side asserted control.
Galatasaray 3–1 Bodø/Glimt
Galatasaray produced a strong home performance to beat Bodø/Glimt, with the Istanbul crowd lifts and late moments helping seal the victory. The win keeps pressure on the other group contenders.
AS Monaco 0–0 Tottenham Hotspur
Monaco and Tottenham cancelled each other out in a goalless draw in Monte Carlo, a tactical, tight affair in which chances were limited and both sides will consider the point useful but imperfect.
Atalanta 0–0 Slavia Praha
Atalanta were held to a scoreless draw by Slavia Prague in Bergamo in a match that lacked cutting edge despite territorial moments for the Italians. Slavia earned a valuable point on the road.
For the rest of the continent, Matchday 3 delivered what the Champions League does best: goals, shocks, and unforgettable football nights.
ASUU Lifts Its Two-Week Warning Strike
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has declared an end to its current two-week cautionary strike.
Prof. Chris Piwuna, the National President of ASUU, revealed this during a press conference underway in Abuja on Wednesday.
Piwuna explained that the choice arose from the National Executive Council meeting, which convened overnight and concluded at 4:00 am on Wednesday.
Piwuna stated that the union initiated the strike because the government did not fulfill its demands promptly.
“We’ve had useful engagements with representatives of the government to consider the response to the draft renegotiation of the 2009 agreements. However, we are definitely not where we were prior to the commencement of the strike.“
”The union acknowledged that the government returned to the negotiation table. While noting that a lot more work is still required, NEC came to the conclusion that the ongoing strike should be reviewed. The decision to review the strike action was a result of efforts by our students, parents, and the Nigeria Labour Congress.“
”Consequently, NEC resolved to suspend the warning strike to reciprocate the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians.”It should be remembered that ASUU announced a complete and all-encompassing warning strike beginning on Monday, October 13.
ASUU is presently calling for the finalization of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the disbursement of the withheld three and a half months’ salaries, consistent funding for public universities, revitalization of public universities, and an end to the harassment of lecturers at LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.
Additional demands include the settlement of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears, the payment of promotion arrears spanning more than four years, and the release of withheld third-party deductions (cooperative contributions, union check-off dues).
Tinubu Names Bernard Doro As Minister Nominee
President Bola Tinubu has put forward the nomination of Dr. Bernard Doro from Plateau State as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and submitted his name to the Senate for confirmation.
Doro’s nomination follows the elevation of Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, who became the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress in July.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the nomination in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Presidency officials disclosed that the President, during a private meeting with close aides on Monday evening, expressed his plan to appoint nominees for two vacant cabinet positions, including the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who resigned several weeks ago.
Born on January 23, 1969, in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Onanuga said Doro brings over two decades of experience in clinical practice, pharmaceutical management, strategic leadership, and community development in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
“He has degrees in Pharmacy and Law, an MBA focusing on IT-driven business strategy, and a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice.
“He is an Independent Prescriber and Advanced Clinical Practitioner with NHS frontline experience across urgent care, walk-in centres, GP practices, and hospital settings,” the statement read.
Beyond his professional and administrative background, Doro has been actively involved in youth mentorship and social impact projects within the Nigerian diaspora and local communities.
If confirmed, he will join President Tinubu’s cabinet and be sworn in during a Federal Executive Council meeting.
Glory Days Ahead For Abia State University, National Alumni Association Bounces Back
The National Body of Abia State University Alumni Association has been in existence since 2006. It is however, sad to note that it has lacked the visibility expected of it, all this while, as the Association has nothing to show for its existence and resulting from some controversies occasioned by some of the members. It has become very shameful that other Alumni Associations are flourishing, even in Abia State, while the National Body of Abia State University Alumni Association has almost gone into extinction (as remarked by some persons). The situation led to the intervention of the University Council and Management who called together the National President, Chief Dr. Umeh Kalu (SAN) and his executive committee members as well as the stakeholders of the Association for an interaction to devise the way forward for the Alumni Association.
The interactive meeting was held in July, 2025 at the Faculty of Law, Umuahia Campus of Abia State University and had, in attendance, Rt. Hon. Dr. Agwu U. Agwu (Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council), Prof. E.I. Akubugwo (DVC Academic.Rep. of the VC), Prof. J. U. Ogbonna (DVC Administration), Dr. Acho Elendu (Registrar), Dr. (Mrs) Martha Ibeneme (Ag.University Librarian), Elder Comrade Ojo Ezichi Obasi (Alumni Relations officer), Chief Dr. Umeh Kalu (SAN) (National President of ABSU Alumni Association), members of the National Executive Committee as well as numerous stakeholders of the Alumni Association.
The Council Chairman, Rt. Hon. Dr. Agwu U. Agwu, informed the gathering that the essence of the meeting was to interact with the EXCO members of the Alumni Association, stakeholders and the University management in order to resolve the lingering controversial issues that had remained as threats to the existence of the National body of the Alumni Association and set the necessary machinery for proper functioning of the Alumni Association.
He stated that on his appointment and assumption of duty as the Council Chairman of Abia State University, he enquired about the existence and activities of the Alumni Association but the responses he received were not encouraging. He added that the report of the Visitation Panel to the University was also in agreement with the report of his investigations into the existence and activities of the Alumni Association. He also made the gathering to understand that, as at that moment, the University Governing Council had not yet been properly constituted due to the absence of the representative of the Alumni Association.. Consequently, the Council mandated the Vice-Chancellor of the University to see to the resolution of all the controversial issues of the Alumni Association and reposition it for effective synergy with the University Management and for the growth of the institution.
He however, stated that he had earlier met with the key players of the Association prior to the meeting, and they all agreed that the Alumni Association must be repositioned.
The Council Chairman stressed on the negative impacts of having different factions of the Alumni Association on the University, the Alumni (Graduates) and the current students of the University. He further reiterated the important roles Alumni Association plays in the development of the University in particular and the state in general and highlighted some of the losses the members have incurred with the existence of the factions (or non-existence of the Alumni Association) for quite some time.
The Deputy Vice – Chancellor (Academic), Prof Prof. E.I. Akubugwo, representing the Vice-Chancellor, further highlighted on achievements of the present administration of Abia State led by His Excellency, Dr.Alex Chioma Otti which have changed the past narratives of the University. He went further to enumerate some of the visible changes made by His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, such as the establishment of 18 megawatt electricity expected to give the University steady power supply, setting up a new permanent faculty of law at Uturu, retrofitting of hostels A and B, approval for the recruitment of staff to avoid de-accreditation of the University’s academic programmes and strategizing with security agencies on ways to curb insecurity within the University and the environs. According to him, “Now, Abia State University is truly a conventional University with Departments, such as: Pharmacy, Engineering, Environmental Studies and many others”. He went further so state that five (5) law graduates of the University made 1st class in the Nigerian law school Bar. Examinations for the 2024 session.
In his remarks, Barr. Umeh Kalu (SAN) (National President of ABSU Alumni Association), thanked the University Council and the Management for gathering members of the National Executive Committee and Stakeholders of the Alumni Association for such an interactive meeting to enable them look into some of the controversial issues of the Alumni Association and devise the way(s) to resolve them so that the Alumni Association would move forward. He said that at the time he became the President of the Alumni Association, he clearly stated his mission and vision for the Association and his preparedness to serve and take the Association to an enviable height nationally and internationally but met stiff opposition/resistance from the University Management then who made it very difficult for the Association to operate effectively. He noted that 90% of the setbacks of the Alumni Association was caused by the past principal officers of the University who, according to him, strategized ways of creating inter and intra pandemonium within the Alumni to enable them (the officers) have their (criminal) intent accomplished.
He reiterated that the University management then caused the problems for the Association, stressing on very many occasions he challenged the management on certain objectionable issues that were detrimental to the smooth operation of the Association. Yet, the management ignored everything.
He however, stated his desire and efforts to take the Association to an enviable height but expressed disappointment for the inability of the Alumni Association to live up to expectation and against his mission and vision for the Association.
Other stakeholders also spoke on some of the controversial issues that impacted negatively on the Association and expressed the desire to jettison all of them and forge ahead.
All the controversial issues were resolved and to the satisfaction of all the members who consequently, spoke with one voice to chart a way forward for the Alumni Association.
With the resolution of all the controversial issues and the desire to chart a way forward for the Alumni Association, the National Executive Committee led by Chief Dr. Umeh Kalu (SAN) was dissolved and a National Cater Taker Committee was constituted to oversee the activities of the Alumni Association for a while.
Consequently, the following persons were appointed to serve as members of the caretaker committee:
| S/N | NAME | CHAPTER | POSITION |
| 1 | Chief Onwukwe O. Onwukwe | Lagos | President |
| 2 | Prof. Marc N. Ogbuagu | Umuahia | Secretary |
| 3 | Dr. Adiele David | Umuahia | Member |
| 4 | Mr.Effiong .B. Etukudoh | Uyo | Member |
| 5 | Mr.Emenike Agu | Lagos | Member |
| 6 | Prof.Amanze Unagha | Uturu | Member |
| 7 | Prof. Hagler Okorie | Aba | Member |
| 8 | Mr Isaac Kalu | Aba | Member |
| 9 | Mr. Felix Ndubuisi | Port Harcourt | Member |
| 10 | Prof.Chinedu Ogbuji | Owerri | Member |
| 11 | Dr. Ogbuehi Victor.C | Umuahia | Member |
| 12 | Dr.Louis Obodo | Abuja | Member |
The committee was given six (6) months to function and charged to:
- Re-Invigorate/Strengthen all the existing Chapters of Abia State University Alumni Associations anywhere in the world.
- Establish/Create new Chapters of ABSU Alumni Association everywhere in the world.
- Conduct Election for Alumni Representative In Council
- Mobilize and Conduct the General Elections to elect a new Executive Committee of Abia State University Alumni Association and using the existing constitution of the Association.
At the inaugural meeting of the caretaker committee, reports from existing chapters such as: Umuahia, Uyo, Owerri, Aba, Port Harcourt, Okigwe, Abuja and Lagos (Alumni Lgends) were received and decisions were taken to strengthen all the existing ones and embark on the establishment of other chapters all over the world.
Presently, the committee has succeeded in establishing and inaugurating Lagos Chapter and has, as well, started making preparations for the establishment and inauguration of Enugu and Ohafia Chapters of the Alumni Association.
Again, the committee has been able to establish contact with the US Chapter of ABSU Alumni Association. The leader of the Chapter welcomed the development and promised to partner with the National Body in the efforts to add value to Abia State University. Efforts have also been put in place to link up with UK chapter(s) and other chapters in diaspora.
The Abia State Government, led by His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, the University Management and Council have expressed much concern in the affairs of the Alumni Association.
Therefore, all the graduates of the University are urged to spread the news about the Alumni Association and establish a chapter of the Association wherever they are.
Therefore, let all the graduates of Abia State University join hands in Repositioning, Projection and Promotion of the ABSU Alumni Association and enjoy the benefits.
GREAT IKENGAS and IKENGRESSES !!! GREAT !
Drone Attack Strikes Near Khartoum Airport Ahead Of Reopening
A drone attack hit an area close to Khartoum International Airport early Tuesday, just a day before it was scheduled to reopen for domestic flights, the first since the war began in 2023.
Residents reported hearing several explosions across different parts of Sudan’s capital. Unverified videos on social media appeared to show multiple blasts.
No group has claimed responsibility, and there are no confirmed reports of casualties or damage.
The attack came shortly after Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority announced that domestic flights would resume on Wednesday. The airport had been under repair since government forces recaptured Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) months ago.
This was the third drone strike in the capital within a week, following attacks on two army bases in north-west Khartoum last week.
According to the Sudan Tribune, a security source said air defences intercepted several drones around 4 a.m. local time (02:00 GMT) but did not provide further details.
Khartoum International Airport has been closed since April 2023, when fighting first broke out between the army and the RSF, which had briefly seized control of the airport.
Currently, Port Sudan hosts the country’s only functioning international airport, though it too has been targeted by drone attacks.
While Khartoum has been relatively calm since the army regained control in March, occasional strikes have continued. The RSF has been accused of targeting both civilian and military facilities from afar.
After losing the capital, the RSF shifted its focus to el-Fasher, the army’s last stronghold in the western Darfur region.
The ongoing conflict, which began as a power struggle between the two forces, has drawn in other armed groups and foreign supporters. It has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, creating what the United Nations describes as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
NDLEA Launches Digital Platform For Drug Tests And Visa Clearance
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has introduced a new digital platform aimed at simplifying the process of obtaining drug integrity tests and visa clearance certificates, as part of its broader efforts to promote transparency, accessibility, and operational efficiency.
The platform, known as the Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System, was officially launched on Tuesday in Abuja by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (retd), who described the project as “a paradigm shift in our fight against the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.”
Represented by the Agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, Marwa said the online platform aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and underscores NDLEA’s balanced strategy in combating drug challenges through both supply and demand reduction efforts.
“For years, the process of obtaining an NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate, required by certain source and transit countries, has been characterised by documentation, physical appearances, and lengthy verification cycles.
“This manual process was no doubt prone to human interference, delays, and a host of other issues,” he said.
He explained that the newly launched system automates all procedures related to drug integrity testing and visa clearance, integrates seamlessly with partner agencies, and removes human interference and unnecessary delays.
Marwa stated, “With the flag-off of the Online Visa Clearance Portal today, we are bringing an end to those bottlenecks.
“The system delivers automation across all processes and operations associated with the administration of the Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance, with interfaces for effective collaboration with partner agencies.
“It is also important to note that we have made provision on the system for private medical centres to partner with the agency as accredited centres for the Drug Integrity Test.”
According to him, applicants can now visit the NDLEA website to create user accounts, schedule appointments, and complete their applications without physically visiting NDLEA offices.
Marwa added that drug test certificates will now be issued immediately, while visa clearance certificates will be processed within three days, or at most within one week in special circumstances.
He further noted that the system features E-Certification and Verification tools to prevent document forgery and enhance Nigeria’s international credibility. Supervisory dashboards will allow real-time monitoring across NDLEA commands nationwide.
“The portal integrates sophisticated background check protocols to ensure that the certificate remains a robust security instrument that safeguards Nigeria’s international reputation and prevents drug syndicates from exploiting legitimate travel channels,” he stated.
Beyond visa applicants, NDLEA said the new system will also serve students, corporate entities, and individuals including parents and intending couples who wish to conduct drug integrity tests.
Marwa emphasised that the initiative is preventive rather than punitive, providing a “non-judgmental pathway” for early intervention and rehabilitation for individuals dealing with substance use.
He said, “This new digital portal allows institutions, organisations, and individuals including parents and prospective couples to apply for drug integrity tests seamlessly. It provides a verified, standardised, and secure process for testing and issuing certificates. It is a non-judgmental pathway designed to support our national drive for demand reduction, fostering healthier communities, safer workplaces, and a more secure national labour force.”
Marwa urged all stakeholders, including partner agencies, health institutions, and the general public, to adopt the new system, describing its implementation as a “shared responsibility” in the national campaign against drug abuse and trafficking.
In recent years, NDLEA has strengthened its efforts to modernise operations through technology-driven and data-based solutions.
The agency’s digital transformation aligns with global standards aimed at improving efficiency, reducing corruption, and ensuring the credibility of official processes.
The NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate is mandatory for Nigerians travelling to certain countries identified as major drug source or transit nations.
Ex-French President Nicolas Sarkozy Begins Five-Year Prison Sentence
France’s former president, Nicolas Sarkozy, has begun serving a five-year prison sentence after arriving at a Paris jail.
The 70-year-old was driven to La Santé prison in a police car on Tuesday morning, becoming the first ex-leader of a European Union country to be incarcerated.
He was handed the sentence last month after being found guilty of criminal conspiracy for allegedly receiving millions of euros in illicit funds from the late Libyan ruler, Muammar Gaddafi, to finance his 2007 presidential bid.
Sarkozy has maintained his innocence. His lawyers said that as he arrived at the prison, they immediately filed a request for his release.
“It is not a former president of the republic being jailed this morning, but an innocent man,” he wrote on X while heading to prison. “Truth will prevail.”
From early Tuesday, dozens of supporters and relatives gathered outside his home, some holding framed pictures of him.
“Free Nicolas,” they shouted as he left for jail. Earlier, they had sung the French national anthem while neighbors watched from their balconies.
“This is truly a sad day for France and for democracy,” said Flora Amanou, 41, who came to show her support.
Sarkozy is the first French leader to be imprisoned since Philippe Pétain, the wartime head of state who collaborated with the Nazis and was jailed after World War II.
He told Le Figaro that he would take with him a biography of Jesus and a copy of The Count of Monte Cristo, a story about an innocent man wrongfully jailed who later escapes to seek revenge.
Prison officials told AFP that Sarkozy would likely be kept in a nine-square-meter (95-square-foot) cell in the prison’s solitary confinement unit.
The arrangement is for security reasons, ensuring he has no contact with other inmates, officials said.
In solitary, inmates are allowed one walk per day alone in a small yard and can receive visitors three times a week.
It is still uncertain how long Sarkozy will remain behind bars.
During sentencing, Judge Nathalie Gavarino described the crimes as “exceptionally grave” and ordered that Sarkozy serve his sentence even if he filed an appeal.
The court now has two months to review the release request submitted by his legal team.
Vance Arrives In Israel As Washington Pushes To Reinforce Gaza Ceasefire
US Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Israel as part of the Trump administration’s renewed push to solidify the fragile Gaza ceasefire agreement.
During his visit, Vance is expected to urge Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to begin talks addressing long-term issues aimed at bringing the conflict with Hamas to a lasting end.
Two American envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner who played key roles in brokering the ceasefire also met with Netanyahu on Monday.
Their diplomatic efforts followed a surge in violence on Sunday that nearly upended the 12-day truce. Israeli authorities reported that a Hamas attack killed two soldiers, prompting retaliatory airstrikes that left dozens of Palestinians dead.
President Donald Trump maintained on Monday that the truce remained “on track” but issued a stern warning to Hamas, saying the group would be “eradicated” if it breached the agreement.
According to reports, Trump sent his vice president and envoys to Israel to sustain progress on his 20-point Gaza peace initiative and encourage movement toward its second phase.
This next stage reportedly includes establishing an interim administration in Gaza, deploying an international peacekeeping mission, withdrawing Israeli troops, and ensuring Hamas’s disarmament.
Israel, however, has said it would not join such discussions until Hamas returns the bodies of all the hostages killed in captivity.
Vance, Witkoff, and Kushner are also focused on maintaining stability under the current ceasefire, which forms the foundation of the plan’s first phase.
US officials have reportedly expressed concern that Netanyahu could “vacate” the agreement and launch a renewed military offensive.
Speaking before the Knesset on Monday, Netanyahu said he would discuss “security challenges” and “political opportunities” with Vance during his visit.
He also disclosed that Israeli forces had dropped 153 tonnes of bombs on Gaza following what he described as a “blatant” ceasefire violation by Hamas on Sunday.
“One of our hands holds a weapon, the other hand is stretched out for peace,” he said. “You make peace with the strong, not the weak. Today Israel is stronger than ever before.”
According to the Israeli military, Sunday’s anti-tank missile attack by Hamas in southern Gaza killed two soldiers. The army responded with widespread strikes that, according to local hospitals, killed at least 45 Palestinians.
Following the escalation, Israeli forces said they had reinstated enforcement of the truce, while Hamas reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire.
Nonetheless, reports emerged on Monday that four Palestinians were shot dead east of Gaza City. The Israeli military said its troops fired at “terrorists” who had crossed the “Yellow Line”, a boundary marking areas still under Israeli control.
Later that day, Trump told reporters: “We made a deal with Hamas that they’re going to be very good. They’re going to behave. They’re going to be nice.”
“If they’re not, we’re going to go and we’re going to eradicate them, if we have to. They’ll be eradicated, and they know that,” he added.
Meanwhile, Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, speaking from Cairo, reaffirmed the group’s adherence to the truce.
He said Hamas and other Palestinian groups were “determined to fully implement it until the end”.
“What we heard from the mediators and the US president reassures us that the war in Gaza is over,” he told Egypt’s Al-Qahera News TV.
Al-Hayya also confirmed that efforts were ongoing to recover the remains of deceased hostages still trapped under rubble, describing the process as an “extreme difficulty” due to limited equipment.
Overnight, Israeli authorities said Hamas handed over another hostage’s body to the Red Cross in Gaza. The remains were later identified as those of 41-year-old Tal Haimi, who was killed during the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak.
That brings to 13 the number of deceased hostages whose bodies have been returned out of the 28 held when the ceasefire began on October 10.
Last week, Hamas also freed 20 living hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees from Israeli custody.
Public frustration has grown in Israel over Hamas’s failure to return all of the deceased hostages, with the prime minister’s office insisting the group “was required to uphold its commitments”.
The UN’s World Food Programme has called the continuation of the ceasefire “vital” for maintaining humanitarian access to Gaza.
Since the truce began, the agency has delivered over 6,700 tonnes of food through 530 trucks, enough to feed nearly half a million people for two weeks, according to spokeswoman Abeer Atefa.
However, she noted that logistical challenges remain, as only two border crossings, Kerem Shalom and Kissufim are currently open, both located in the south. This has made it difficult to reach northern Gaza, where hunger levels are “extremely dire.”
While smaller nutritional supplements have been distributed in the north via southern routes, larger deliveries have not yet been possible.
In southern Gaza, Atefa said aid distribution has been orderly, with no looting reported. Still, she noted that families are rationing their food out of fear that deliveries could stop again.
Aid shipments were briefly halted by Israel following Sunday’s violence but resumed on Monday after pressure from international partners.
Israel’s campaign in Gaza began after Hamas’s 7 October 2023 assault, in which militants killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.
Since then, Gaza’s health ministry run by Hamas reports that at least 68,216 people have been killed in Israeli strikes.
Shettima Unveils NJFP 2.0 To Generate 20,000 Jobs Annually
Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that the Federal Government intends to create no fewer than 20,000 jobs each year through the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP 2.0).
Speaking ahead of the official launch slated for October 22 in Abuja, Shettima said the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and seeks to connect young graduates with meaningful work experience, mentorship, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
He also inaugurated the Project Steering Committee, urging members to promote inclusivity and deliver measurable results that enhance the well-being of young Nigerians across the country.
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the European Union (EU), was first introduced in 2022 to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Over 14,000 young Nigerians have so far benefited from the year-long paid fellowship.
Shettima described the second phase as a strategic initiative to transform Nigeria’s youth population into a catalyst for economic development, stressing the need for effective partnerships between government and development stakeholders.
Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, stated that NJFP 2.0 has been redesigned to reflect prevailing economic realities and incorporate lessons learned from the initial phase.
Backed by the EU, the programme aims to deploy at least 24,000 fellows over the next 10 months through job placements and entrepreneurship training.
He said the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s priorities of job creation, enterprise expansion, and youth empowerment across key sectors such as agriculture, digital technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and the creative industry.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, alongside UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, commended the programme as a transformative model for youth empowerment and employment generation.
They reaffirmed their dedication to supporting Nigeria’s pursuit of innovation and sustainable job creation, describing NJFP 2.0 as clear evidence of what strong collaboration between government and partners can accomplish.
